Lanxess Vulkanox HS Scopeblue Adopted by Continental Tires, Carbon Footprint Reduced by Over 30%

Continental has become the first tire manufacturer to adopt Lanxess’s new Vulkanox HS Scopeblue rubber additive. This product is an upgraded version of the well-established additive Vulkanox HS (TMQ, a para-phenylenediamine antioxidant). It not only offers enhanced sustainability but has also received ISCC Plus (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus) certification. During the vulcanization process, this additive effectively protects rubber compounds from the effects of oxygen, heat, and other factors.

Steffen Ryssel, Head of Procurement at Continental Tires, stated: "At Continental Tires, we are always committed to enhancing the environmental performance of our products. Collaborations like this with the Lanxess Group, and the use of innovative rubber additives such as Vulkanox HS Scopeblue, will help us steadily progress towards our goal of having more than 40% renewable and recycled materials in our tires by 2030."

Compared to products produced using traditional processes, Vulkanox HS Scopeblue has a carbon footprint that is reduced by more than 30%. LANXESS Group achieved this breakthrough by using sustainable bio-circular acetone and renewable energy in the production process, while the overall chemical structure of the additive remains unchanged. This means that tire manufacturers do not need to adjust their existing production processes.

Dr. Jens-Hendrik Fischer, Head of the Rhein Chemie business unit at LANXESS, pointed out: "We are delighted that the premium manufacturer Continental has chosen to use Vulkanox HS Scopeblue in its products. This demonstrates that our innovative additives have been recognized and valued by the industry. Through such solutions, we can not only support our customers in developing outstanding products, but also help them achieve their climate goals."

Focus on Sustainable Development

To meet the growing market demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly materials, LANXESS has developed Vulkanox HS Scopeblue. This additive carries the "Scopeblue" label, which specifically refers to products with an extremely low carbon footprint or a high proportion of recycled materials. Its production process takes place in a German plant that is ISCC Plus certified and based on the mass balance method. LANXESS uses a "cradle-to-gate" approach to calculate the carbon footprint of this product, covering Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (energy indirect emissions), and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions).

For tire manufacturers pursuing ultimate product performance and durability, the use of high-performance additives is crucial. Vulkanox HS Scopeblue effectively protects rubber compounds during the vulcanization process from factors such as oxygen and heat. This not only enhances the thermal stability of the rubber compounds in the early stages of processing but also ensures the long-term performance of the tires. Additionally, the low volatility and low migration are also notable features of Vulkanox HS Scopeblue.